On February 4, we celebrate National Homemade Soup Day, a day to enjoy the hotness of homemade soup in the cold weather. On this day, you can enjoy any new soup recipe, whether it’s a hearty chili, a creamy tomato bisque, or a vibrant vegetable medley. Homemade soup is all about warmth and creativity.
Did you know that the word ‘soup’ itself originated from the French word ‘soupe,’ which means broth? This French word, in turn, is derived from the Latin word ‘suppa,’ which means a piece of soaked bread.
However homemade soups are healthy and loaded with tons of health benefits because we can add any kinds of vegetables and seasoning whatever we like. If you are a soup lover then for sure you need to try this on National homemade soup.
History of National Homemade Soup Day
Did you know that soup has been made since the near year 9000 ago since then we have been having soup also it is one of the smartest choices of the creators of National Homemade Soup Day that they put it right smack-dab in the middle of winter. As we all crave hot food during the winter to keep our bodies warm so since February can be one of the coldest and darkest months of the year, it’s the perfect time to try a hand at creating the perfect homemade soup. On this, you can enjoy any type of new soup recipe to make the day perfect and memorable where Whether with a Gazpacho (cold tomato soup) or cucumber soup, this day can be enjoyed
Talking in depth about the history before boiling was a common practice in terms of how food was prepared and served and later on after the discovery of waterproof containers made out of clay, boiling became even more common and humans started cooking plants and animals. So this was how soup was introduced.
Later on, in the 18th century, French street vendors started to make and sell high-quality exotic soup dishes called ‘restoratifs,’ which also led to the first restaurants that started selling soup. Furthermore, in the year 1765, a common businessman in Paris opened up a shop that was dedicated entirely to the preparation of good quality soups.
Slowly apart from Europe, North America also played a role in the progression of soup and one of the first-ever cookbooks was written by William Parks, which had a great impact on the Americans who were interested in cooking. In the book written by William Park in the, several chapters that includes the recipes and ways of cooking soup. Moreover, Emma Pike Ewing wrote an American cooking pamphlet on soups (“Soup and Soup Making”), which was distributed all over the country.
| 1772 (“The Frugal Housewife”) | A cookbook is published in England, which contains a whole chapter on the topic of soups. |
| 1794 (The Restorator) | A French refugee in America opens one of the earliest dining establishments, The Restorator for which he is given the title ‘Prince of Soups.’ |
| 1800 (Portable Soup) | Portable soup is devised for the storage of soup liquid and meats. |
| 1882 (“Soup and Soup Making”) | Emma Pike Ewing wrote a pamphlet on cooking based on soup preparation. |
Homemade Vegetable Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
How to make:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and green beans. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- If using spinach or kale, stir it in just a few minutes before serving until wilted.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Source: Natasha’s Kitchen
Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup egg noodles or any pasta (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to make:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the pot.
- If using, add the egg noodles or pasta to the soup and cook according to the package instructions until tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Activities for National Homemade Soup Day
Here are some of the activities that you can do on National Homemade Soup Day,
- Soup-Making Party: On this day you can invite friends or family over for a soup-making session. Each person can bring their favourite ingredients and create their unique soup.
- Recipe Swap: Share your favourite soup recipes with friends or family. You could even create a digital or printed recipe book to keep.
- Soup Taste Test: Make a few different types of soup and have a tasting party. Provide bread or crackers for pairing and let everyone vote on their favourite.
- Soup Art: For this day you can get creative by designing soup-themed art! You could draw, paint, or even create a collage using images of different soups.
- Cooking Class: On this day you can host or join an online cooking class focused on making different types of soup. This can be a fun way to learn new techniques and recipes.
- Charity Soup Drive: Consider organizing a soup drive where you collect canned soups to donate to a local food bank or shelter.
- Food Photography: Take beautiful photos of your soup creations and share them on social media. You can create a fun hashtag for the day!
- Virtual Soup Share: If you can’t meet in person, host a virtual gathering where everyone makes soup at home and shares their experiences and recipes.
- Mindful Eating: Spend some quiet time enjoying your soup, focusing on the flavours and warmth. You can even meditate for a few minutes while savouring each bite.
5 Facts About Chicken Soup
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It is an ancient dish- Did you know that chicken soup dates back 7,000 to 10,00 years ago?
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Chicken noodle soup was introduced by Campbell’s- However, it was first introduced as ‘noodle soup with chicken’ back in 1934 by the American company, Campbell’s.
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An accident gave us ‘chicken noodle soup’- Five years after Campbell’s released ‘noodle soup with chicken’ the host of a radio channel mispronounced it by mistake, saying, ‘chicken noodle soup.’
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It can be an expensive dish- The most expensive bowl of soup goes for about $190.
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We ‘eat’ soup- Even though this dish is mainly liquid, the verb used to define its consumption is ‘eat’ and not ‘drink’ as we use a spoon to consume it.
FAQs
What are some popular soup recipes?
Some favorites include:
- Chicken noodle soup
- Tomato basil bisque
- Minestrone
- Butternut squash soup
- Lentil soup
Can I make soup in advance?
Yes, Many soups taste even better the next day, making them great for meal prep. Just store them in the refrigerator or freezer and reheat when ready to serve.
Are there vegetarian or vegan soup options?
Yes! There are countless vegetarian and vegan soup recipes available. Consider options like vegetable soup, lentil soup, or creamy coconut curry soup made with plant-based ingredients.
How do I make soup healthier?
To make your soup healthier, use fresh vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limit added salt and fats. You can also add legumes for protein and fiber.
Also, read more about National Baked Alaska Day – February 1, 2025
